A Great Big World / Julia Nunes

Rebecca Haviland

A Great Big World

The story of A Great Big World began in the crowded practice rooms at NYU. Ian Axel and Chad Vaccarino were both studying music business while fostering dreams of writing and performing on Broadway and beyond. Ian quickly saw potential in partnering with Chad, and started lobbying him to work together on new songs.

At first, Ian was the artist, and Chad shared writing duties and became his manager. Chad even paid for Ian’s first vocal lesson. Performing together around New York, Ian eventually stepped into the spotlight and released an independent solo album, with all songs co-written by Chad. An overwhelming viral buzz ensued, causing Ian and Chad to hit the road in support of the album, and the project continued to gain steam. Their music became a favorite among music supervisors, earning licenses on One Tree Hill, MTV, The Amazing Race, ESPN, Good Morning America and more, as well as a performance on the Rachael Ray Show.

Despite Ian being the front man, Chad was always there in a writing and performing capacity. Then in 2012, the duo had an opportunity to officially re-brand themselves, and that’s when A Great Big World was born. Making positive, piano-driven pop bursting with harmonies and woven together with a fun whimsical twist, the duo crafted a six-song EP funded entirely on Kickstarter by fans. ”It’s optimistic, hopeful pop music,” Chad says. “There are fewer songs about heartbreak and more about the meaning of life. But even the most painful of our songs are hopeful.”

Julia Nunes

Julia Nunes is a singer and songwriter from Fairport, New York. Her career has progressed online through her videos of pop songs on YouTube in which she sings harmony with herself and plays acoustic instruments, primarily the ukulele, guitar, melodica and piano.

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